Guitar Lessons in Des Plaines, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

My teaching experience began in the Chicago public and private schools in the 1970's. Wanting to have the ability to work with a student on a one on one basis, I went into business for myself as a private teacher. From 1976 to 2010 I taught music in a music store that I co-owned in the Chicago area. During that same period I worked with several universities with theMethods of Private Instruction in the area of Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

When I first sit down with a student, my number one goal is to figure out what they are excited about. I personally never spent much time practicing music that I wasn't excited about, so I don't expect my students to either. Whether it ends up being rock, classical, jazz, folk, or maybe a specific band or artist, I feel that students learn best when they are excited about the music they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My methods differ depending on a students age and experience level. For the younger students who are just beginning their journey we will learn out of Hal Leonard's books for guitar or Piano Adventures for piano students. As a student progresses we will begin to take the learning outside of these books and more to music theory, technique, and to the application of these practices onto the instrument. For younger students I will make the lesson more fun and interactive, keeping the lesson positive and not viewing it as a chore. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Lute Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As I begin working with my new students and I develop a better understanding of their abilities and how they respond to my instruction, I try to discover what teaching methods are best suited for each student in order to help them improve and grow to the best of their abilities. During my teaching, I incorporate both music theory and instrument technique with the goal of maintaining some balance between knowledge and the interest and motivation of the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I am passionate about music and its ability to change the lives of its players and listeners, and I aim to inspire this passion in my students by creating a positive, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes, and are encouraged to push themselves to be the best players and writers they can be. I work with my students to help them reach their own goals as musicians, and act as a friendly, encouraging support system to aid them in their learning process. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

Guitar (all levels): Chord Instruction, Lead Work, Hammer On's, Scales, Sightreading Music, Songwriting/Arranging Trumpet (all levels): Articulation Studies, Breath Control, Increasing Range, Embouchure Voice (all levels): Solfege, Sightsinging, Range Articulation Instruction, Breath Control Read More